The New S4 Couldn't Be More Different Than It Was Before

Audi presents its 2017 S4, and it's not the same car you used to know.

Afterrevealing the 2016 A4 earlier this year, Audi has finally rolled out its 2017S4 sedan and wagon at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. And while it may look verysimilar to the A4 it is based on (and, with a delicate evolutionary process, toprevious generations), it hosts a ton of mechanical and technological changesthat would make it unrecognizable to those who knew the S4s of the past.Introducing the turbocharging trend to the hottest model in the A4 range (sofar), the 2017 S4 will arrive with a direct-injected turbocharged 3.0-liter V6.

Thenew engine sports 345 hp (21 more than the previous generation) and 369 lb-ftof torque available between 1300 and 4500 rpm. With a top speed of 155 mph, itwill spring from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds. The S4 also gets a new gearbox, aneight-speed torque converter automatic designed to overcome the turbo's extratorque. Equipped with Quattro AWD, the self-locking center differential sends60 percent of torque to the rear wheels and 40 to the front in normal driving. Depending on the driving style and situation, it can distribute up to 85percent to the rear and 70 percent to the front. It can also brake the insidewheels on cornering to avoid slip.

With 18-inch standard wheels (19-inch rims are optional) and 245/40tires, the new S4 sits 0.9 inches lower to the ground than the standard A4,features a sport suspension and continuous damping control. It weighs in at3,594 pounds, with significant weight loss afforded by the new MLB Evoarchitecture. To set it apart from standard A4 models, the S gets a tweakedfront fascia, aluminum-like side mirrors, side skirts and a new rear bumper. The interior includes a few additional upgrades and places the tachometer inthe center when in "Sport" view. Europe will have its choice of sedanand wagon models, but America can expect its sedan in mid-2016 as a 2017 model.